Halloween 2025: When celebrated in 2025, the true story of the holiday

At the end of October, in many countries it is customary to celebrate one of the most mysterious holidays — Halloween. Its history begins with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which symbolized the transition to the dark half of the year and communication with the other world. Today, Halloween consists of colorful costumes, illuminated pumpkins, and fun customs that are firmly embedded in the culture of many countries. For more information about the history, traditions and modern meaning of the holiday, see the Izvestia article.

The history of the origin and meaning of the holiday

The word Halloween comes from the English phrase "All Hallows' Eve", which means "All Saints' Eve". The holiday itself originates in the ancient pagan Celtic rite of Samhain, which was held in honor of the end of summer and symbolized the beginning of winter — the transition to the dark season.

On the night of November 1, it was believed that the boundary between the world of the living and the world of the dead was becoming thin, and the spirits of the dead could return to earth. To scare away evil spirits, the Celts built bonfires and wore terrifying masks. This holiday was both a time of harvest and something more — a ritual designed to maintain a balance between the worlds and prepare for a long winter.

With the advent of Christianity, in the 7th century, Pope Gregory III declared November 1 All Saints' Day, and the night before was named All Hallows Eve — All Saints' Evening, which eventually transformed into Halloween. Thus, modern Halloween is a synthesis of pagan and Christian traditions, which was formed by the 13th century and became widespread thanks to immigrants from Ireland and Scotland who migrated to the United States in the 19th century.

When is Halloween celebrated in 2025

Halloween is traditionally celebrated on the night of October 31st to November 1st. In 2025, the date falls on a Friday. The holiday has preserved many ancient customs related to the autumn cycle and the spiritual world.

Which countries celebrate Halloween?

Halloween is traditionally most popular in the USA, Canada, Great Britain, Ireland and some Western European countries. The holiday there includes large—scale parties, parades, carnivals and noisy festivities. In recent decades, Halloween has been celebrated in Eastern European and Asian countries as well, with increasing globalization and the penetration of Western culture.

Halloween celebration Traditions

On the evening of October 31, people decorate their homes with glowing pumpkins with carved creepy faces, decorating windows, doors, basements and courtyards with artificial cobwebs, skeletons, ghosts and other mystical elements. The main task is to create an atmosphere of light horror and fun.

People dress up in a variety of costumes — witches, vampires, zombies, ghosts, skeletons and other fantastic or scary characters. Children go house—to-house with the phrase "trick or treat", which means "sweet or nasty" - they receive sweets and treats, otherwise they are threatened with a prank.

Halloween also hosts themed parties with costume contests, horror stories, and some gather to watch horror movies. The menu often includes traditional pumpkin dishes, caramel apples, themed desserts and cocktails.

Why is Halloween not celebrated in Russia?

Halloween first appeared in Russia at the end of the 20th century, but it did not become widespread. This is due to the lack of a deep historical tradition, as well as the negative attitude of the Russian Orthodox Church, which considers this holiday pagan and associated with the occult.

It is believed that Halloween is a holiday that combines elements of mysticism, fun and creativity. The light atmosphere of transformation and the opportunity to be someone else are the main reasons for his popularity. The traditions of costumes, decorative lamps and sweets create a unique mood, which is joined by more and more people around the world every year.